6 A monster bride

Chapter 6 A monster bride "Create another creature like you?" cried Victor, appalled. "Never! Together, you might destroy the world." "You are wrong," replied the monster. "I was good, until misery made me bad. Everyone hates me. Why shouldn't I hate them in return? I am so lonely- but you can help me. Refuse, and I will be revenged. I will make you curse the hour of your birth..." For a moment, rage contorted his features, making him uglier than ever, but he calmed himself and went on.

"Do not deny me this one kindness. Help me be happy, and I will again be good. I will take my bride to live peacefully, far away from people. You will never see us again." Victor couldn't help feeling sorry for the monster, although the sight of it sickened him. And then there were the threats- the creature was more powerful than any man. It would be safer to do what it asked. Victor swallowed hard. "I- I agree," he said slowly.

Victor returned home, brooding harder than ever. Elizabeth couldn't bear it. "Why are you so unhappy?" she asked gently. "Is it because you don't love me any more?" "No, of course not," cried Victor. "I could never love anyone as much as you. All my hopes for the future rest in you. Elizabeth," he added impulsively, "will you marry me?" "Oh yes," cried Elizabeth, flinging her arms around him. But even as Victor kissed her, he was thinking of the monster's demand... "I must start work," he told himself. "But not here! I don't want anyone to know." Victor's father was delighted when he heard the happy news. "I always hoped you two would marry," he said, smiling. "When shall we hold the wedding?" "Not for a few months," Victor replied firmly. "I have a project I must finish first."

"I need to make a research trip to- to Scotland," he improvised, trying to think of somewhere quiet and remote. "A trip will do you good," said Elizabeth. "But I think you should take Henry for company." And so it was agreed.

Victor packed his books and instruments with a heavy heart. A few days later, he and Henry set out. There had been no further sign of the monster, but Victor was sure it would follow them. The journey took several weeks. Victor was torn between wishing it would take longer, and fearing the monster would think he had given up and begin its revenge. Along the way, Henry pointed out the sights with delight- rugged hills, ruined castles and spectacular sunsets.... But Victor could only think gloomily of the task ahead. Finally, they arrived in Edinburgh and Victor began collecting supplies. When everything was ready, he told Henry he wanted to travel on alone. "I need to be by myself for a bit," he insisted Reluctantly, Henry agreed. "Write to me at once if you need anything," he said.

Free at last, Victor took a boat to a remote, rocky island and rented an old hut. Then he set to work, mixing chemicals, connecting batteries, beginning his grisly task of shaping flesh and bone...